Major findings

The study found that while 97% of venture-backed startups in biotech have patents, only 67% of venture-backed software startups do, and among all software startups (regardless of their source of financial backing) the number drops to 25%.[1] This information was used in EFF's Bilski v. Kappos brief.[2]

From an article written by two of the authors:

Among software companies, the results are even more striking, with them reporting that patents provide less than a "slight" incentive.[3]